Or, for a fee, you can ask us if your building works require planning permission. We cannot tell you over the phone. The way to ask is through an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness. This process takes around 8 weeks.

What are permitted development rights?

If you live in a house, in many cases you can carry out minor works without the need to apply for planning permission. These are known as ‘permitted development’ rights. They do not apply to flats or maisonettes.

How will I know if permitted development rights have been removed from my house?

Always check the planning history of your property before undertaking any works. Permitted development rights might have been removed on the original planning permission for your house. These rights will also be affected if the property has already been extended.

Permitted development rights can change depending on where you live. If you live in an Article 4 Direction Area, such as Fishpool Street, most of your permitted development rights will have been removed.

Alternatively, if you live in a relatively new property, such as the Napsbury, Jersey Farm or Hill End/Cell Barnes Lane developments, permitted development rights may have been removed by a planning condition.

What other consents do I need?

If you are forming a new drive or widening an existing drive, you will need to apply for planning permission if you live on a Classified Road. You can find out if you live on a classified road at the Gazeteer of Hertfordshire Roads. You will also need separate permission for a dropped kerb from the Highways Authority.